Alternator charging is generally only practical for the [[electrical:​12v:​charging|bulk charge stage]] due to relatively low voltage output and the [[electrical:​12v:​charging|long time periods required for absorption]]. ​ It is unlikely to get the house battery completely charged unless one is driving significant distances. This can have an impact on battery longevity. ​ If one drives often [[electrical:​12v:​alt_and_solar|a combination of the alternator doing bulk charging and a small solar doing the rest]] is good match.

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Alternator charging is generally only practical for the [[electrical:​12v:​charging|bulk charge stage]] due to relatively low voltage output and the [[electrical:​12v:​charging|long time periods required for absorption]]. ​ It is unlikely to get the house battery completely charged unless one is driving significant distances. This can have an impact on [[electrical:​batterycide|battery longevity]]. If one drives often [[electrical:​12v:​alt_and_solar|a combination of the alternator doing bulk charging and a small solar doing the rest]] is good match.

Charging the house batteries from the alternator increases the load on the alternator and can be expected to contribute to earlier failure. ​ SternWake reports **idling while charging causes a sharp increase in alternator temperature**.((http://​www.cheaprvliving.com/​forums/​Thread-Longer-alternator-life-when-used-to-charge-house-batteries?​pid=182096#​pid182096)) So don't idle it!

Charging the house batteries from the alternator increases the load on the alternator and can be expected to contribute to earlier failure. ​ SternWake reports **idling while charging causes a sharp increase in alternator temperature**.((http://​www.cheaprvliving.com/​forums/​Thread-Longer-alternator-life-when-used-to-charge-house-batteries?​pid=182096#​pid182096)) So don't idle it!